According to a report by GOAL on Monday November 2, 2026, Egyptian football legend Mohamed Aboutrika has criticised Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca over his use of young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi following the club's disappointing 1-0 Premier League defeat to Brighton.

Aboutrika believes Maresca is not playing the 19-year-old in his natural position, arguing that the Moroccan international is better suited to a defensive midfield role rather than operating further forward.

Bouaddi struggled to influence proceedings during Saturday's encounter at the Etihad Stadium and was substituted after just 55 minutes.

The midfielder was making his fifth start of the season across all competitions, but his performance raised questions about his role in Maresca's team.

Speaking as an analyst for beIN Sports MENA, Aboutrika questioned the decision to deploy the youngster as a number eight or number 10.

"Playing Ayyoub Bouaddi as a number eight or number 10 is like playing Messi in goal. His position is number six. Why change his positioning?" the former Egypt forward said.

Aboutrika, who won the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt in 2006 and 2008, believes Bouaddi's best qualities are more evident when he operates in a deeper midfield position.

The former Al Ahly star feels the teenager is capable of winning possession, distributing passes and carrying the ball forward from the defensive midfield area.

However, playing him in a more advanced role could prevent him from making the most of those attributes.

Bouaddi arrived at Manchester City last summer with a big reputation after his impressive performances for Morocco.

His transfer briefly made him the most expensive African footballer in history before Ivorian forward Yan Diomande surpassed that record with his move to Real Madrid.

Despite the expectations surrounding his arrival, the youngster is still searching for consistent form under Maresca.

He has made nine appearances across all competitions this season, registering two assists, but is yet to establish himself as a regular influential figure in the team.

Manchester City will now look to respond to their defeat against Brighton when they travel to Germany to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

Maresca's decision on whether to retain Bouaddi in the starting line-up or return him to his preferred number six position will be one of the talking points ahead of the encounter.